Weather in Iraq
Upon arrival at Joint Base Balad, Iraq in August the weather was intense. Extreme heat swarmed Soldiers in the beginning of the deployment. Day temperatures reaching 140 degrees Fahrenheit were not uncommon. The ground temperatures blazed, converting the normally cool breezes they are used to from the states and changing them into the sensation of a gigantic blow dryer fanning across the face. High temperature is the obvious culprit of weather in Iraq, but contraire to popular belief, Soldiers experienced a plethora of forecasts by Halloween.
Sand storms hackled Soldiers more than once, leaving nothing uncovered in dust. The dust settled similar to snow and came in like a blizzard. Dust masks and goggles were a must to continue daily operations. The storms were sporadic and would sometimes hang around for a several days. One storm even turned the skies orange, creating the look of a sunset that filled the heavens.
By the end of September, the intense heat passed and weather was similar to that of fall in the Midwestern United States. The night temperatures dramatically drop down to the low 50’s and overcast days were not uncommon. The rainy season welcomed the Soldiers abruptly with intense flash flooding. The rain immediately turned the never-ending amounts of sand into mud. Housing areas flooded and massive water puddles scarred the base. Wearing rain gear, over-boots and Gore-Tex coverings had helped combat the drizzles and mud.
The Iraqi weather is frequently changing and challenging Soldiers to tough it out. Some days feel like home, while some Soldiers can’t wait for some more familiar environmental conditions. Whether it is the unbearable heat, thunderstorms, sandstorms, or cold, Soldiers learn to gear appropriately to handle day-to-day operations. With the proper Personal Protective Equipment and acclimation, Soldiers are able to work in virtually any type of weather. It is crucial to their mission to be able to evolve with the ever-changing forecasts of Iraq, and continue to be ready to operate anywhere in the world.
Story by Spc Nolan Kohlrusch
B Co., 834 Aviation Support Battalion
Unit Public Affairs Representative
30 Jan. 2009 |
